I’m a huge fan of small-displacement machines. They’re fun and easy to ride, usually rather simple machines, and they’re extremely affordable. If you want to get on a bike and not spend an arm and a leg a small bike with a small engine size, like a 125cc motorcycle, is the way to go.
With that in mind, I wanted to take a quick look at the best 125cc motorcycles that you can buy right now in North America. There have been more bikes popping up in this segment lately, and that means you have more options than ever. Here are the five best 125cc motorcycles.
1. Honda Super Cub C125
The Honda Super Cub is the best selling motorcycle of all time, and for good reason. It’s simply a very good and handy little motorcycle. The new Super Cub C125 features a single-cylinder fuel-injected 125cc engine that offers plenty of pep. The bike also offers retro styling and a four-speed semi-automatic transmission. It’s affordable, fun, and perfect for a wide variety of uses. This is a fantastic motorcycle, and something that you most certainly should consider if you’re looking for a 125cc motorcycle.
- Price: $3,749
- Company Website
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2. Honda Monkey
Keeping with the retro styling, let’s take a look at the Honda Monkey. Under its retro styling is essentially a Honda Grom frame and engine. That’s where the similarities end, though. The bike has a unique and retro style unlike any other motorcycle out there. Pair that with the fuel-injected 125cc single-cylinder engine and you have a fantastic little runabout that can take on a trail from time to time if you want it to.
- Price: $3,999
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3. Honda Grom
The Honda Grom is the bike that started Honda’s recent resurgence of small-displacement machines. It’s a killer mini streetfighter that’s ready for anything and endlessly customizable. The bike features a 125cc fuel-injected single-cylinder engine, a small overall size, sporty riding position and excellent handling and agility on the road. These bikes are well-loved by anyone who owns them or even rides one. I highly recommend you pick one up.
- Price: $3,399
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4. Kawasaki Z125 Pro
Yes, the Kawasaki Z125 Pro is just Team Green’s take on the Honda Grom, but it’s a really good take. The company has made a killer little motorcycle, and in my opinion, it beats Honda at its own game. The motorcycle features a fuel-injected 125cc engine, four-speed manual transmission, offset laydown single shock, digital LCD screen with analog tachometer, and a gear position indicator. This little machine is a hell of a lot of fun in just about any environment.
- Price: $3,199
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5. Kymco K-Pipe 125
Some folks don’t like the Kymco K-Pipe 125, saying it’s too underpowered. However, I think this little motorcycle is a fantastic option, especially for the price. It features large 17-inch wheels, a 123.7cc single-cylinder carbureted engine that’s easy to work on, a four-speed semi-automatic transmission, and a 98 mpg rating from the EPA. It’s not the fastest or most powerful 125cc on the market, but it’s a fantastic commuter and I think it looks pretty darn good, too.
- Price: $2,249
- Company Website
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Other Great 125cc Machines
Are there other great 125cc machines? Yes and no. There are plenty of other great small motorcycles. Many of them aren’t 125cc machines, though. They might be slightly more or less in terms of displacement.
That said, there are plenty of other small bikes out there, and I wrote about the best small motorcycles not long ago. Many of the same bikes featured here made that list, too.
If you’re open to a scooter, there are tons of small displacement and 125cc machines out there, from high-end Vespas to your ordinary Hondas. I wrote about the best scooters, too.
No matter what, you should be able to find a small displacement or 125cc motorcycle or scooter that fits your needs.
Are you ready to look for your first or your next bike? Use the Cycle Trader search tool below.
